Supporters of Troy priest accused of fraud push for his return

The Friends of Father Belczak are supporters who deeply love and respect Edward Belczak, pastor of St. Thomas More Church in Troy. This group of Catholics and non-Catholics, of varying ages and backgrounds, has joined forces on Facebook and at www.bringbackfatherb.com to pray for and promote the ministry of Edward Belczak, a holy man who has served others for his entire adult life. Their mission is to share stories of Father BeczakŐs ministry and encourage the Archdiocese of Detroit to restore his rights and return him to St. Thomas More Parish in Troy.

Barbara Peluso of Troy often thinks back about how the Rev. Edward Belczak helped her family.

"He was there for our family when our daughter was hospitalized and visited her several times, bringing a teddy bear with him to cheer her up," said Peluso, a long-time member of Troy's St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Belczak, who has served as the pastor there since 1984, is under investigation for possibly mishandling more than $400,000.

The most significant amount involved was alleged compensation and benefits for an individual best described as a "ghost employee," who an estimated loss of $240,000 to the parish over the past six years, officials said.

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At the end of May, Belczak sued the city of Troy in an effort to have his assets unfrozen.

The 67-year-old Belczak was asked to step aside from his duties in January, but this week supporters -- calling themselves Friends of Father Belczak -- have come forward to rally in his defense.

Peluso said Belczak officiated at her two children's weddings and that "he continues to minister to all our family needs."

"He is a true friend and we all enjoy his company," she said. We feel he goes out of his way to spiritually support his parishioners and make time for his flock."

The Friends are Catholics and non-Catholics who have joined together on Facebook, and their efforts are outlined at www.bringbackfatherb.com.

The group's mission, they say, is to share stories of the priest's ministry and "encourage the Archiocese of Detroit to restore his rights and return him to St. Thomas More Parish."

Rich Peluso believes Belczak was "wrongly accused." Peluso is ready to return to "being a strong financial contributor once Father's good name is cleared and he returns to St. Thomas More," he said.

"We have been active members of the parish for over 25 years and have enjoyed Father's sermons, leadership and spirit," Peluso said.

"St. Thomas More is not the same without him!"

The website includes stories on how Belczak has changed lives.

Supporters gathered recently to share stories, Peluso said.

"One theme that rang clear was how Father Belczak always had a knack for delivering a sermon that was exactly what we needed to hear that week," said supporters.

The group said "kids have been so hurt by seeing this happen to Father Belczak, because he inspired a whole new generation of young Catholics" with his sermons and role modeling.

"We need to bring him back so they can believe that there is justice in our faith," supporters said.

Susan Stahl, an 8-year member of St. Thomas More, said, "I am willing to do anything to spread the news that Father Belczak is a good man and innocent of any charges," she said.

"Church attendance has dropped and I know donations are down."

She said people are praying for Belczak every week.

Monsignor John Zenz is now administrator of St. Thomas More.

Another backer, Rich Mueller, said Belczak is "innocent, and it's about time we stopped this nonsense and bring him back where he belongs."

Supporters are asking people to take steps including sending a letter of support to the Archdiocese and the Pope by mailing that letter to Archbishop Vigneron's Office, 1234 Washington Blvd, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226 or calling 313-237-5816.

People can email Joe Kohn, the archdiocese's director of public relations at kohn.joseph@aod.org.

The Pope is contacted through the Vatican, His Holiness Pope Francis, Vatican City State, 00120.